title: Prolene frontalis suspension in paediatric ptosis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of frontalis suspension using 4-0 prolene sutures for paediatric ptosis with poor levator function.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective chart review was performed on children who underwent 4-0 prolene frontalis suspension from 2000 to 2008 with a minimum of 6 months' follow-up. Functional success was defined when three criteria were met: (a) satisfactory lid height (defined as margin-to-reflex distance ≥3 mm with minimal frontalis muscle tone); (b) satisfactory lid symmetry (≤2 mm asymmetry in margin-to-reflex distance); and (c) satisfactory cosmesis. Recurrence was defined by a drop in lid height of ≥3 mm from the initial post-operative level.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 23 patients (30 eyelids) were included. The mean follow-up duration was 28.7 months (range 6.3 to 100 months). The functional success rate was 74% (17/23 patients). Ptosis recurred in 22% (5/23) of patients. Only one patient (4%) developed a complication: a case of minor wound infection.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In paediatric ptosis with poor levator function, prolene frontalis suspension has good efficacy and an excellent safety profile. The results of prolene frontalis suspension are comparable to those of other non-autogenous materials.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, New Zealand.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Chow
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Deva
authors.forename: S G J
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Ng
mesh_terms: D001763:Blepharoptosis / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005143:Eyelids / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011126:Polypropylenes; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013536:Suture Techniques
chemical_list: D011126:Polypropylenes